After the reactive total lunar eclipse in July, Venus moves into debilitation in Virgo from August 1 to September 1, as Mars continues to transit retrograde in Capricorn. After heated exchanges - and heat in general - we are left feeling dry emotionally, challenging relations to remain cordial.
Not only is Mars retrograde, but the planet which rules where it is placed (Saturn) is retrograde, while its ruler (Jupiter) is weakened by Venus’ debilitation.
And then there’s the complication of Mercury's retrograde in Cancer. Emotional reactions are never far from the surface, as we are challenged to communicate peacefully.
Oh, and Mars is retrograde alongside the south node, with yet another solar eclipse - this time in the lunar sign Ashlesha on August 11. This lunar sign is connected to serpents. Eclipses are always a little slippery, anyway, as we thrash out the pros and cons of a situation.
Although the combination known as Kala Amrita Yoga is not strictly in effect at this time, all the visible planets are either joining the nodes or on one side of them, lending itself to yet more of the unsettling sense we had during the latter parts of 2016 and 2017.
?Eventually, the churning settles as we loosen our mental grip and allow the answers to rise to the surface, with Mercury stationing direct on August 19 and Mars stationing direct on August 27.
Saturn stations direct on September 6, as we slowly move forward with a better sense of appropriate boundaries and a new long-term plan.
It will take time for the creases to be ironed out, but at least we get a sense of forward momentum by the end of August.